Bubble and Squeak
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Gluten-free British

Bubble and Squeak

A crisp-edged British skillet cake of buttery mashed potato, tender Savoy cabbage, and sweet onion. It is a comforting, economical side dish that turns leftovers into something deeply savory and golden.

45 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the shredded Savoy cabbage and cook for 3 minutes, just until tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly, pressing out excess water, and set aside.
2
Melt 15 g of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden.
3
Add the cabbage to the onion and sauté for 2 minutes to drive off surface moisture. Transfer to a bowl, add the cold mashed potato, salt, and black pepper, and mix until evenly combined.
4
Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the potato mixture and press it into an even cake about 3 cm thick. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, adjusting the heat so the underside becomes deeply golden without burning.
Bubble and squeak cake browning in a skillet AI-generated image
5
Slide the cake onto a large plate, or invert it carefully onto a plate using the skillet as a lid. Cut into wedges and serve immediately while the crust is crisp and the center is soft.
Golden wedges of bubble and squeak ready to serve AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Cold mashed potatoes provide structure while sautéed cabbage and onion add moisture and sweetness. Cooking the mixture as one thick cake creates the contrast of a crisp, browned crust and a soft center.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool leftovers within 2 hours, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to reheat it

Reheat portions in a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until hot throughout and crisp again. Do not reheat more than once.

Nutrition / serving

242kcal
5.53 gprotein
37.98 gcarbs
8.41 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 13 Aug 2026 · updated 14 Aug 2026